Among a wide array of harmful cuts to programs for seniors, veterans and rural economic development, Trump’s budget proposal would eliminate nearly $500 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is used to fund water and waste water projects. In 2016 and 2015, those resources boosted critical water infrastructure in Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District through local loans and grants, including:

$1.5 million loan for projects related to an existing waste water treatment facility in Callaway County

$650,000 loan, $220,000 loan, and $600,000 grant to renovate and improve water systems in Bland, Gasconade County

Overall, USDA provided a total of nearly $50 million in federal loans and grants that went toward over 30 water and waste water projects throughout the entire state in 2016. That year, 65% of water and waste water investments from USDA focused on Missouri drinking water projects. In 2015, USDA provided a total of over $60 million for 40 water and waste water projects. That year, almost 70% of water and waste water investments from USDA focused on Missouri drinking water projects.
“It looks from his budget, that Donald Trump’s campaign promises to protect rural America are worth about as much as his promise to repeal Obamacare,” stated Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber. “We need Representatives who are going to stand up for our state from Donald Trump’s reckless budget that puts the health and safety of Missouri at risk. Will GOP officeholders like Blaine Luetkemeyer side with Missourians? Or will he run and hide as critical resources for protecting and upgrading our rural water systems are slashed?”

Background:

In 2016, The United State Department of Agriculture funded nearly $50 million in federal loans and grants for over 30 water and waste water projects in Missouri. In 2015, USDA invested over $60 million in federal loans and grants for 40 water and waste water projects in Missouri. (USDA 2016 & USDA 2015)

In 2016, 65% of water and waste water investments from the USDA in Missouri were focused on drinking water projects. In 2015, that figure was nearly 70%. (USDA 2016 & USDA 2015)